Mark Levinson № 585.5: Integrated amplifier boasting American muscle

The №585.5 is the second integrated amplifier in the Mark Levinson 500 Series. It is an update to the award-winning №585. Visually, the new model features a new cover and remote control. However, the main changes are hidden inside, and the main one is the proprietary Pure Phono module, built around a discrete, ultra-low-noise circuit, where RIAA frequency correction is realized by a combination of active and passive filters. This module was found in the №523 and №526 preamplifiers .

In addition to the Pure Phono module, the Mark Levinson №585.5 also includes an improved remote control and a new three-piece extruded, machined and anodized aluminum top panel that matches the appearance of the entire 500 Series Mark Levinson. The Phono board in the Mark Levinson #585.5 amplifier is the same as that found in the #523 and #526 preamplifiers. The Pure Phono module is based on a fully discrete, extremely low-noise circuit, with RIAA equalization implemented using a combination of active and passive filter circuits. Four gain settings, multiple resistive and capacitive load settings, and a subsonic filter are conveniently adjusted from the front panel or remote control for maximum optimization of virtually any turntable or cartridge.

The Mark Levinson Model № 585.5 is based on a fully discrete “mirror” dual mono analog circuit with individual signal switching relays for each of the four stereo inputs (one XLR and three RCA). Discrete 15-bit R-2R circuits and low-noise analog switches are used for volume control. This ensures maximum bandwidth and signal integrity. The fully differential Class AB power amplifier includes a large 900 VA toroidal transformer with separate secondaries for the left and right channels.

The circuitry of each channel of the amplifier is simple and elegant. The small size of the 12 output transistors and many small local capacitors allows them to be placed close to the amplifier for fast transient response when power is needed immediately. This reliable architecture provides a sustained power rating of 200 watts per channel with 2 ohm stability. System integration and expansion are possible with full-range RCA stereo pre-amplifier outputs or with the included switchable 80Hz second-order crossover network, which allows the amplifier to be integrated into 2.1-channel systems with active subwoofers.

The Mark Levinson № 585.5 combines amazing versatility with a powerful Class AB amplifier that delivers 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 350 watts per channel into 4 ohms and can handle a wide range of digital music, including Hi-Res Audio 32-bit/192 kHz from a computer and DSD files from USB drives. It also features HARMAN Clari-Fi™ technology, which helps extract signal from noise, no matter how compressed the file you’re trying to play.

The Mark Levinson № 585.5 features 6 digital and 4 analog inputs, including USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU XLR and RCA inputs for greater compatibility. The circuitry is fully discrete, mirror-image, dual mono. The amplifier also features dedicated signal switches for each of the four analog stereo outputs: one XLR and three RCA. The volume controller uses a resistor switch for maximum signal integrity, and power is supplied by a 900VA toroidal transformer with separate secondary windings for the left and right channels.

The built-in DAC is based on the famous ESS Sabre 32-bit. It is equipped with a jitter elimination system and is fully balanced. The Cmedia USB audio processor allows you to transfer asynchronous data in DSD and PCM formats with a frequency of up to 192 kHz / 32-bit. The Mark Levinson № 585.5 amplifier also has a stereo output with a high-pass filter (80 Hz) for the preamplifier / subwoofer. This allows it to be used in a 2.1-channel system. Despite its rather sophisticated features and technical characteristics, the Mark Levinson № 585.5 is quite easy to use. It can be controlled using the controls and function buttons located on the front panel. The amplifier also comes with a remote control.

The Mark Levinson № 585.5 combines classic elements of Mark Levinson technology and modern industrial design. The front panel is made in Mark Levinson colors – a black case with gray elements. It is equipped with a red display and LED indicators.

The Mark Levinson No. 585.5 amplifier was specifically designed to reproduce excellent sound quality from analog or digital media, including computers and servers. According to the manufacturer, the No. 585.5 is designed to proudly bear the title of the best integrated amplifier from Mark Levinson.

From the first seconds of the No. 585.5’s operation, you notice an incredibly precise and accurate presentation with a rich sound spectrum. The dynamic range is enormous, the dramatic and tense sound of the strings at the beginning of the first part of the symphony gives way to the explosive intensity of the brass, and at the climax, the timpani with the large orchestral drum will hint that the LF speakers of your acoustic systems are not eternal.

Mark Levinson #585.5 Specifications:

• Power Output: 200 Watts RMS per channel @ 8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Damping Factor: >400 @ 20 Hz, referred to 8 ohms
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.13 dB; 2 Hz – 250 kHz, +0.2 dB / -3 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >98 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz, unweighted); >103 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz, A-wtd), referred to full-scale output – maximum volume setting
• Voltage: 40.7 dB (maximum volume setting)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.01% @ 1 kHz, 200 watts, 8 ohms; <0.1% at 20 kHz, 200 watts, 8 ohms
• Sampling Rate/Bit Rate: PCM: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz / up to 32-bit; DSD: Native, single- and dual-rate
• Analog Audio Connectors: 3 pairs of single-ended inputs (RCA); 1 pair of balanced inputs (XLR); 1 pair of single-ended line outputs (RCA); 1 pair of loudspeaker (“Hurricane”) locking posts with banana jacks that accept 1/4″ (6.3 mm) pitch spade tips up to 1/8″ (3 mm) thick
• Digital Audio Connectors: 1 balanced AES/EBU input (XLR); 2 coaxial S/PDIF inputs (RCA); 2 optical inputs (Tos-Link); 1 x Asynchronous USB Input (USB-B)
• Control Connectors: 1 x RS-232 Port (RJ-12 Jack); 1 x IR Input (1/8″ Jack), 1 x 12V
• Programmable Trigger Voltage Output (1/8″ Headphone Jack), 100mA Max; 1 programmable
• 12 DC trigger inputs (1/8″), 1 Ethernet port (RJ-45 connector)
• Line voltage: 100 VAC, 115 VAC, or 230 VAC (factory default)
• Power consumption: 1000 watts or less (power on)
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 6.9″ (175 mm) – without feet, 7.59″ (193 mm) – with feet x 17.25″ (438 mm) x 19.95″ (507 mm)
• Package dimensions (H x W x D): 19″ (483 mm) x 26″ (660 mm) x 26″ (660 mm)
• Weight: 72 lbs (32.6 kg) – net; 96 lbs (43.4 kg) – with packaging